Empire Wind Project Resumes as New York Reclaims Its Clean Energy Future

After a temporary halt, construction on New York’s $2.5 billion offshore wind farm — Empire Wind — is officially resuming. The project, positioned to power over half a million homes across the state, had been in limbo until a recent federal decision removed the stop-work order, allowing the critical clean energy initiative to move forward.

Construction Resumes on Empire Wind

The Empire Wind project, led by Norwegian energy giant Equinor, is now cleared to continue development off the southern coast of Long Island. This comes after a directive from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lifted the pause on construction activities that had been in place since last month.

Construction had been stalled following an administrative review of previously issued permits. Despite the setback, Empire Wind is now progressing again — marking a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the United States.

Equinor’s CEO, Anders Opedal, emphasized the significance of this decision, noting the preservation of over 1,500 construction jobs and continued investment in America’s renewable energy infrastructure. “We are committed to delivering clean power while boosting local economies and creating quality jobs,” he said in a statement.

A Joint Effort to Revive a Crucial Project

The path to restarting construction involved intensive behind-the-scenes efforts. New York Governor Kathy Hochul played a central role, engaging in numerous conversations with federal and corporate stakeholders. “New York’s future depends on abundant, clean energy,” Hochul noted. “I fought to save clean energy jobs — and we got it done.”

Also credited were local labor unions, business leaders, and international stakeholders, including officials from Norway, which holds a majority stake in Equinor.

Why Empire Wind Matters

Empire Wind represents a major milestone in New York’s transition to a cleaner energy future. Once complete, the wind farm will deliver electricity to more than 500,000 homes by 2026 and play a central role in helping the state meet its target of obtaining 70% of its power from renewable sources by 2030.

This project is a cornerstone of New York’s broader goal to install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035.

The Bigger Picture for Offshore Wind in the U.S.

While offshore wind has thrived in Europe for decades and is growing in Asia, the U.S. industry has faced hurdles — including high costs, slow permit approvals, and supply chain issues. Empire Wind’s temporary pause highlighted these challenges, especially when critical infrastructure investments are already underway.

Equinor had warned that it would have to abandon the project entirely within days if the pause wasn’t lifted, citing financial losses of up to $50 million per week and 11 vessels held on standby.

Now, with construction back on track, the project reaffirms hopes for a stronger offshore wind future in the U.S.

Environmental Concerns and Clarifications

Opponents of offshore wind projects have occasionally raised concerns about potential risks to marine life, particularly birds and whales. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is no evidence linking offshore wind development to recent large whale deaths.

Wildlife conservation organizations continue to support responsible offshore wind expansion, citing climate change as a far greater threat to ecosystems.

Economic Boost for the Region

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the decision, calling it a win for Long Island’s economy and New York’s environment. The Empire Wind project is expected to stimulate job creation and business opportunities across several states, including Louisiana, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, where components and equipment for the project are being manufactured.

Supporters of offshore wind hailed the decision as a critical victory for the clean energy workforce and the emerging offshore wind industry in the Northeast.

Empire Wind’s Journey and Future

The project's journey began during the earlier years of the Trump administration when Equinor secured its federal lease in March 2017. After years of permitting and planning, the construction and operations plan received final federal approval in February 2024.

With one-third of the construction already completed and a clear path ahead, Empire Wind is set to become a flagship project in America's offshore wind portfolio.

What Lies Ahead

New York is already reaping the benefits of offshore wind with the South Fork Wind Farm — a 12-turbine facility east of Montauk Point — delivering power to the grid. Empire Wind, however, is far larger in scale and will significantly expand the state’s renewable energy output.

The return of construction signals a renewed commitment to clean energy, job creation, and environmental stewardship — a promising sign for a nation working to balance its energy needs with the imperative to combat climate change.

As New York charges forward, Empire Wind stands as a beacon of what’s possible when global collaboration, local advocacy, and long-term vision align.